June 2013 posts from Javi the Frog's Travel Blog

There are plenty of ways to explore the landscape in Costa Rica, but one of the most fun is on two wheels! I like to hop in a bicycle basket and enjoy the breeze in my face along the mountainside. Costa Rica is actually home to several very prominent regional and international races annually, so you know the terrain is top-notch here. While you won't want to venture on major roads, because they are very narrow and don't give cyclists much room to maneuver, there are plenty of options for you to traverse the landscape and take in the scenery! Since a bike allows you to venture through some hard-to-reach areas at a much quicker pace, there is no better way to get around...[More]

Hopping on a plane and jetting to Costa Rica can actually be a breeze! More than 15 airlines offer non-stop routes from the United States and Canada, so you'll have no trouble planning a vacation to my homeland. But I know travel can get hectic, even if you have a lot of options! I should know I spend most of my time traversing the Costa Rican landscape. Costa Rica airports are convenient to fly into and they can connect you to all of the natural amenities, outdoor activities and unique culture you are looking forward to experiencing on your trip...[More]

If you're like me, you love a good cup of coffee! There is just something comforting about sipping on some java, and Costa Rica is home to the best gourmet blends in the world in my humble opinion. While there are several coffee tours that teach you about harvesting and the process of getting the bean into your cup, one of my favorites is the Britt Coffee Tour that takes place just north of downtown Heredia. Since 1991, nearly 1 million visitors have toured the working plantation and roastery. As the original Costa Rican coffee tour, there's no better place in Costa Rica to visit if you're a caffeine fiend! I had so much fun during my experience at the coffee plantation - I just couldn't wait to share my story with you...[More]

Costa Rica is one of the most beautiful places in the world, so why wouldn't you want to tie the knot here?! Whether you are having a small, private wedding, or large and luxurious gathering with friends and family, Costa Rica is the place to be. From white-sand beaches and lush forests to towering volcanoes and mountain ranges, you'll have virtually every backdrop to pick from here...[More]

If you're like me, you love trying new foods when you travel! Getting to taste the cuisine of a certain country or region tells a lot about the people who live there, the culture and beliefs. I was very excited when I found out I was getting the opportunity to go to one of my favorite places in Costa Rica: Que Rico Arenal Restaurant. Situated right in front of the gorgeous Arenal Volcano, Que Rico offers a unique dining experience with sprawling views and yummy dishes...[More]

Many people who visit Costa Rica depend on rental cars, but there's no better way to explore the country than by doing as the locals do and taking public transit. One of my favorite parts of riding the bus in Costa Rica is the fact that I get to meet so many new people and hear great stories about their travels across the country. Plus, you don't have to worry about paying attention to the road when taking advantage of public transportation. You can sit back and enjoy the beautiful landscape and biodiversity of Costa Rica! Don't be scared, hop on public transportation with me...[More]

San Jose is the capital and largest city in Costa Rica, so it should come as no surprise that this metro area features plenty of things to do. In fact, San Jose is one of my favorite places to go shopping in the entire country! Not only does the city have Costa Rica artifacts and goods, there are several places to buy imported items from other Central American countries like Panama, Ecuador and Guatemala. Whether you're in the market for handcrafted items, clothes, jewelry or Costa Rica's famous coffee, you'll find that you can shop 'til you drop without a problem in San Jose...[More]

Tucked along the Nicoya Peninsula, Tamarindo, Costa Rica, is a small town with a big personality. Luscious greenery leads to crisp, clear blue waters and in an instant you're in paradise! Tamarindo is the ultimate tropical getaway, and I've enjoyed my time hopping through the area and zipping through the canopy. But if you're in a time crunch, there are a few spots that you simply cannot miss during your short stay here. Come along with me; I'll be your tour guide through the best places to visit in 24 hours in Tamarindo!...[More]